Police Authorities Arrest Call Center Agent and 2 Others During Buy-Bust Operation in Tagbilaran City
BUY-BUST OPERATION – A call center agent and two others were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
On Monday afternoon (November 20, 2023), a 23-year-old call center agent and two companions were placed behind bars following a buy-bust operation. The arrest came after concerned citizens reported suspicious activities to the authorities.
The buy-bust operation led to the arrest of three individuals, with the primary suspect identified as Andrew Michael B. Sta. Catalina, who works as a call center agent. The other two arrested individuals were Joshua Antique, a 24-year-old wristwatch technician, and Mike Pagatpat Lunasin, a 30-year-old lending collector.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) Bohol Provincial Office, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bohol Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN 7), and Tagbilaran City Police Station conducted the buy-bust operation.
The combined forces of the various law enforcement agencies confiscated suspected illegal drugs with an estimated value of P74,800 from the arrested individuals. Various drug paraphernalia and a smartphone have been seized during the operation.
The successful buy-bust operation was a result of vigilant citizens working together with law enforcement authorities. The evidence will be forwarded to the laboratory for chemical analysis and proper disposition.
According to PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara, the agency spent almost a month on the case buildup.
The three individuals are now facing charges of possession of illegal drugs, selling illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, visiting a drug den, and maintaining a drug den of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The incident shows the importance of involvement in reporting and addressing potential criminal activities to the proper authorities.
Previously, a suspect in dramatic hostage taking incident arrested, call center agent victim rescued
The online community expressed their reactions to the arrest of the call center agent:
